We only collect and use users’ personal data only insofar as such data is necessary in order to provide a functional website as well as its contents and services. The collection and use of users’ personal data only takes place on a regular basis with the user's consent. An exception applies in those cases in which it is factually impossible to obtain a user’s prior consent and the processing of such data is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for processing personal data

Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR serves as the legal basis. In the processing of personal data required for the fulfillment of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures. Insofar as the processing of personal data is required to fulfill a legal obligation (statutory provisions) to which our company is subject (e.g., Federal Notification Laws), Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis. If processing personal data is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our organization or a third party and if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the interest of the former, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing.

3. Data deletion and storage time

The personal data of the person concerned will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies. Data may be stored beyond this point if provided for by the European or national legislatures in the form of EU regulations, laws or other provisions to which the responsible legal entity is subject. The data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless the continued storage of said data is required for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.

IV. Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is visited, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the visitor’s computer. The following data is collected:

Information about the browser type and version used

The user’s operating system

The user’s IP address

Date and time of access

Websites from which the user's system gain access to our website

Websites accessed by the user's system via our website

The data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user. Personal user profiles cannot be created. The data stored is only evaluated for statistical purposes.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is the processing thereof for the purpose of protecting of our legitimate interests, i.e. those of the SKS Group.

3. Purpose of data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be accessed from the user's computer. To enable access to the website, the IP address of the user must remain stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, this data is used to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. An evaluation of the data for marketing purposes does not take place in this context.

These purposes constitute legitimate interests in data processing.

4. Duration of data storage

The data will be deleted as soon as they are no longer necessary to fulfill the purpose for which they were collected. In the case of the collection of data for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.

If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after seven days at the latest. Data may also be stored beyond this point. In such cases, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or alienated, so that their assignment to the respective client is no longer possible.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

The collection of the data for the provision of the website and the storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility of objection on the part of the user.

V. Email contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

We can be contacted from our website via the e-mail address provided. In this case, the user's personal data transmitted by e-mail will be stored.

In this context, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is, first and foremost, our legitimate interest in data processing within the context of contacting the inquirer. If the aim of establishing contact is to conclude a contract, the additional legal basis for processing is given in the context of the initiation of a working or contractual relationship.

3. Purpose of data processing

In the event of contact by email, the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data is also given.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as the storage of said data is no longer necessary to fulfill the purpose for which they were collected. For any personal data sent by e-mail, this is the case when the conversation with the user has been terminated. The conversation has been terminated when it can be inferred from the circumstances at hand that the issues in question have been settled conclusively.

If the contact concerns a pre-contractual relationship (interest or booking of a seminar), the data transmitted will also be stored by our administrative software and used for the execution of the contract. If there is no contractual relationship, the data will be deleted after one year.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

Users may object to the processing of their personal data at any time. We have set up the e-mail address widerspruch@sks-group.eu for this purpose.

Please note that in the event of any objection received, the conversation cannot be continued and SKS will be unable to provide any offers, etc. Any personal data stored in the process of contacting us will be deleted such cases.

VI. Online registration for seminars via the website

1. Description and scope of data processing

The SKS Group allows users to register for one or more of its seminars via its website. If a company opts to register for a seminar via the SKS website, the data entered into the contact form will be transmitted and used. This data may include:

In this context, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data will be used exclusively for processing the registration information, for conducting the seminar and, if necessary, for communication.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of data in this context is the conclusion of a contract between the SKS Group and the company.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of the personal data entered into the contact form will be used solely for the purpose of processing the registration and conducting the seminar.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed in order to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected. In cases in which a contractual relationship is given, we will delete the data received as soon as domestic, commercial, statutory or contractual retention regulations have been met.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

Users may object to the processing of their personal data at any time. We have set up the e-mail address widerspruch@sks-group.eu for this purpose. Please note that upon our receipt of an objection, the registration process cannot be completed and the conversation cannot be continued.

VII. Online application via the website

1. Description and scope of data processing

Our website allows users to apply for open positions at the SKS Group. If a user takes advantage of this feature, the data entered in the contact form will be transmitted to us and saved. This data includes:

Form of address, name, surname

Contact information (email address, telephone)

Cover letter

Attached items with full job application

If you submit an online application from our website, this is done through the online application system softgarden provided by softgarden e-recruiting GmbH, Tauentzienstraße 14, D- 10789 Berlin, Germany. All booking data entered will be transmitted in encrypted form. softgarden is committed to handling your transmitted data in accordance with data protection regulations using the full range of organizational and technical measures at its disposal to protect your data.

In this context, the data will not initially be passed on to third parties. However, if an applicant matches the profile of another vacancy posted by a company affiliated with the SKS Group, we will be happy to forward the user’s application documents, having obtained the applicant's consent for this beforehand. Otherwise, the data will be used exclusively for the processing of the application by the department in question and for communication purposes.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing the data is the initiation of the contract or the conclusion of a contract with the user. We will obtain prior consent before forwarding any application documents to an affiliated company.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the input form is used solely to process the user’s application.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed in order to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or by six months after rejection at the latest. In cases in which a contractual relationship is given, we will delete the data received as soon as domestic, commercial, statutory or contractual retention regulations have been met.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

Users may object to the processing of their personal data at any time. We have set up the e-mail address widerspruch@sks-group.eu for this purpose. Please note that upon our receipt of an objection, the application process cannot be completed and the conversation cannot be continued.

VIII. Consulting, advertising and market research

1. Description and scope of data processing

We collect and use, in addition to those of the business partners or potential business partners, the information of the designated contact persons, telephone numbers, email addresses and postal addresses in order to provide support, advice, conduct surveys and advertise our services to interested parties and potential customers. This information may come to us from a variety of sources, either in the form an inquiry (via e-mail or telephone), but also at in person at events, trade fairs, business cards that our employees may receive, etc.

Any data collected in this matter will not be passed on to third parties. The data will only be used for the stated purposes stated above.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of the data is, apart from that, our legitimate interest in data processing. If the aim of establishing contact is to conclude a contract, initiate a business or contractual relationship, these are additional legal grounds for processing data.

3. Purpose of data processing

We use any contact data for internal purposes only and for the demand-oriented design of our own sales activities and customer relationship management.

4. Duration of storage

In principle, no explicit deletion period is foreseen. However, if our sales department has not had any contact with the company contact in question in the past 3 years, the department will decide whether the contact person of the company contact will be deleted on a case-by-case basis.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

The contact person may object to the processing of their personal data at any time. We have set up the e-mail address widerspruch@sks-group.eu for this purpose. Any of the contact person's personal data that may be stored will be deleted in these cases.

IX. Newsletter service

1. Description and scope of data processing

From our website you can subscribe to our newsletter service SKS RegNews - the Regulatory Newsletter of SKS Advisory and SKS IT-News - the newsletter of SKS Solutions. If a user opts to sign up for the newsletter, an email is generated to complete the registration process. We need the email address, which is entered into our newsletter tool.

The e-mail addresses of our newsletter recipients, as well as well as other data as set forth in this privacy policy, are stored on the servers of MailChimp in the USA. MailChimp uses this information to send and evaluate the newsletter on our behalf. Furthermore, MailChimp can use this data, according to its own information, to optimize or improve its own services, e.g., to technically optimize the sending and presentation of the newsletter or for business purposes in order to determine from which countries the recipients come. However, MailChimp does not use the data of our newsletter recipients to contact them directly or pass this information on to third parties.

We trust in the reliability as well as the IT and data security of MailChimp. MailChimp is certified under the US-EU data protection agreement "Privacy Shield" and is therefore committed to comply with EU data protection regulations. Furthermore, we have concluded a Data-Processing-Agreement with MailChimp. The data protection regulations of MailChimp can be viewed here.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for data processing is the recipients consent as confirmed by the recipient when sending the newsletter registration email.

3. Purpose of data processing

Personal data is processed only for the purposes of sending newsletters to individual subscribers.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted as soon as the user unsubscribes from the newsletter service.

5. Possibility of objection and deletion

The recipient has the possibility to object to the processing of his personal data at any time. With the receipt of each newsletter, the recipient may opt to unsubscribe from the newsletter service. In addition, we have set up the e-mail address widerspruch@sks-group.eu. Please include your e-mail address.

X. Use of Cookies

1. Description and scope of data processing

Cookies are small files that allow us to store specific information related to you, the user, on your computer when you visit our website. Cookies help us to determine the frequency of use as well as the overall number of visitors to our website and to thus tailor our offer to your needs, making it as comfortable and efficient as possible for your use.

We use so-called "session cookies", which are only stored temporarily for the duration of your particular session on our website. These session cookies are stored on your device to ensure certain settings and features work properly when you view our websites on your browser. The cookies are deleted at the end of your browsing session, i.e., as soon as your browser is closed.

In the following, you’ll find more information about the cookies used on our website. These cookies enable us to offer the functions and content of the site tailored to your needs by storing your personal preferences. For example, these cookies can be used to store your user data in our forum or to make a language selection. They can also be used to provide interactive features, including our virtual catalogues and videos.

Cookie name

Valid

Purpose of the cookie

fe_typo_user

Until the end of the session

This cookie summarizes all requests from you and your browser in a given session. This cookie thus allows you to, should you be logged in, remain logged in and view all pages in the login area.

We also use cookies on our website that enable us to analyze users’ browsing behavior. In this way, the following data can be transmitted: search terms entered, page view frequency, website feature usage. The user data collected in this way is pseudonymized, rendering the data impossible to assign to the respective user. This data will not be stored in connection with any other personal data that may be stored.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is our legitimate interest in data processing.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for the purposes of analyzing traffic on the website is the user's consent.

3. Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using technically required cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some features on our website cannot be provided without the use of cookies. To use these features, the browser must be recognized when a new site is viewed. The user data collected by such technically required cookies are not used to create user profiles.

The analysis cookies are used to improve the quality of our website and its content. The analysis cookies enable us to we learn more about how the website is used so we can continue to optimize it accordingly.

4. Duration of storage, objection and deletion

Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted to our site. This means that you, the user, have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your internet browser. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all features of the website to their fullest extent.

Our offers can also be used without cookies and scripts. You can disable cookies and scripts in your browser, restrict them to certain websites or set your browser to notify you when a cookie is sent. You can also delete cookies from your computer's hard drive at any time.

You can install browser add-ons to block scripts. NoScript for Firefox and ScriptSafe for Google Chrome are examples of browser extensions that can be used not only block any type of JavaScript, but also to block selected trackers, Java, Flash and other website plug-ins.

If you are concerned about third-party cookies, you can opt to block only those and still receive the cookies that allow our website to function properly.

This website uses Google Analytics, a web analysis service provided by Google Inc. "("Google"). Google Analytics uses "cookies", which are text files placed on users' computers, to help us analyze how users use our website. The information generated by the cookie about how users use this website is generally transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. However, if IP anonymization is activated on this website, Google will shorten the IP addresses of users within Member States of the European Union or in other states party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. IP anonymization is activated for this website. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate the use of the website by users, to compile reports on website activities and to provide the website operator with further services associated with website and internet use. The IP address transmitted by your browser in the context of Google Analytics is not merged with other Google data. Users may block the storage of cookies by setting their browser software accordingly; however, in so doing the user will be informed that by disabling cookies, they may not be able to use all functions of the website to their fullest extent. Users can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and relating it to their use of the website (including their IP address) and from this data processed by Google by downloading and installing the browser plug-in available under the following link: tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. As an alternative to the browser add-on or within browsers on mobile devices, please click this link to prevent future collection by Google Analytics when using this website. An opt-out cookie will be stored on your device. If you delete your cookies, you must click this link again. In all other respects, the above explanations under No. XI Nos. 1 to 4 shall apply accordingly.

By using Google Maps, information about your use of this website (including your IP address) may be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. Google may transfer the information obtained through Maps to third parties if required by law or if third parties process this data on behalf of Google.

Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. However, it is technically possible for Google to identify at least individual users on the basis of the data received. It is possible that personal data and personality profiles of users of the Google website could be processed for other purposes over which we have no, and cannot possibly have, influence.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the use of Google Maps is our legitimate data processing interests.

3. Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using Google Maps is to show the user our location on the website and to give the user the possibility to determine various routes to reach our location via the services provided by Google Maps.

4. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and elimination

You can disable the Google Maps service to prevent data transfer to Google by disabling JavaScript in your browser. Please note, however, that in this case you will not be able to use the map display on our website.

XII. Rights of the data subject

If your personal data are processed, you are a data subject as defined by GDPR and thus have the following rights with respect to the data controller:

You have a right to information about any personal data stored about your person, about the purposes of the processing thereof, and about any possible transmissions thereof to other places as well as about the duration of the storage thereof.

If this data is inaccurate or no longer required for the purposes for which it was collected, you may request the correction, deletion or limitation of its processing. If provided for in the processing procedures, you can also view and, if necessary, correct your data yourself.

If your particular personal situation should give rise to any objections against the processing of your personal data, you may object to it insofar as the processing is based on a legitimate interest. The data controller will no longer process the personal data pertaining to your person, unless the controller provides a compelling reason for processing said data that outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims. If the personal data pertaining to your person are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of said personal data for purposes such as advertising; this also applies to profiling, insofar as it is associated with direct marketing of this nature. If you object to the processing for direct advertising or profiling purposes, any personal data pertaining to you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

You reserve the right to revoke your declaration of consent under the data protection law at any time. The revocation of consent shall not affect the legality of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent until such time as it is revoked.

If you have any questions about your rights and how to exercise them, please contact:

XIII. Right of appeal to a supervisory authority

As a data subject, notwithstanding any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right of appeal to a data protection supervisory authority, in particular in the member state in which your residence or in the location of any alleged infringement should you suspect that your personal data has been processed is in violation of data protection regulations.

The supervisory authority to which the complaint is lodged will inform you of the status and outcome of your complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy.

For more information please visit the website of the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information by follow this link.

XIV. Data security

The SKS Group uses technical and organizational security measures in accordance with Art. 32 GDPR to protect your data managed by us against accidental or intentional manipulation, loss, destruction or access by unauthorized persons. Our security measures are improved continuously commensurate with the latest technological developments. Access to this data is only possible for a limited number of authorized persons and persons who are obliged to provide special data protection and who are directly involved with the technical, administrative or editorial management of data.

XV. User’s declaration of consent

By using our website and the offers contained therein, you consent to your personal data, having been voluntarily transmitted by you, being stored and processed by us and used in compliance with this data protection policy.

We reserve the right to change, update or amend this privacy policy at any time. Any revised Privacy Policy will only apply to personal data collected or amended after the revised policy comes into effect.